Boston, Ma. Walker Buehler’s return to the mound for the Red Sox was cut short tuesday in a dramatic turn of events.Activated from the 15-day injured list earlier in the day, the right-hander was ejected in the third inning against the New York Mets following a heated argument over ball and strike calls.

The Incident Unfolds

The ejection occurred after a sequence involving Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. after two balls where called to begin Soto’s at-bat, Lindor stole second base.Buehler then approached home plate umpire Mike Estabrook, vociferously arguing and gesturing, which led to his immediate ejection. Manager Alex Cora, following suit, was also ejected moments later.

Cora’s Perspective

Alex Cora, who had missed the previous game to attend his daughter’s graduation from Boston College, expressed confusion over the rapid escalation. It was weird; they were going back and forth, Cora said,describing the exchange between Buehler and Estabrook. He added, I don’t know what the exchange was, but I’ve been at this for a few years, and I was just begging, ‘Just give me a break. I’ll go out and you can throw me out, and we can keep the pitcher in the game.’ But I guess he had enough. I don’t know why.

Aftermath and Victory

Brennan Bernardino replaced Buehler, inheriting the count on Soto and ultimately walking him.Despite the early pitching change, the Red Sox bullpen held strong, securing a 2-0 victory under the guidance of bench coach Ramon Vazquez, who filled in for Cora.

Player Reactions

Red Sox catcher Carlos narvaez commented on the team’s resilience: Everybody saw what happened. That’s baseball; we just had to stick to the plan, he stated on the postgame show.

Buehler’s Regret

Buehler, who had been sidelined with right shoulder bursitis as April 26, expressed regret over his actions. I’m not going to talk about what he did or didn’t do. I don’t think it’s my place, Buehler said, referring to Estabrook. For me, it kind of spiraled a little bit, and I said some things that he thought I shouldn’t have said and whatnot. Ultimately, putting our team in a position like that is the only thing I really regret about that situation.

Umpire’s Explanation

Crew chief Laz Diaz explained the ejection, stating that Buehler was tossed for leaving the mound to argue balls and strikes.

He can say stuff from the mound. But once he comes off the mound, he’s leaving his position to argue balls and strikes. Once anybody leaves their position to argue balls and strikes, that’s an immediate ejection.

Laz Diaz,Crew Chief

Buehler’s Season So Far

Despite the early exit,Buehler has made seven starts in his first season with the Red Sox,entering Tuesday’s game with a 4-1 record,a 4.28 ERA, and 29 strikeouts in 33⅔ innings.

The Disputed Pitch

Narvaez offered his perspective on the pitch that sparked the controversy: The pitch was in the strike zone, he said. He was fighting with the guy behind the plate. He was saying, ‘Hey, that was in the middle.’ And the guy was saying, ‘No.’ And it was back and forth.Buehler is an emotional guy, he’s a competitor. It was just the emotions of the game.

Roster moves

To make room for Buehler, the Red Sox optioned right-hander Nick burdi to Triple-A Worcester. Burdi had made two appearances, pitching 2⅓ scoreless innings.

Buehler’s background

Buehler, a former Los Angeles Dodgers player, signed with Boston as a free agent in December. his last full season without issue was in 2021,when he led the major leagues with a career-high 33 starts,going 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA and earning his second All-Star selection. The Dodgers drafted him with the 24th pick in the 2015 MLB draft.